Debate contribution: Autism Assessments: Waiting Times
Debate contribution by Mr Mike Nesbitt on .
- MLA
- Mr Mike Nesbitt
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 29 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Autism Assessments: Waiting Times
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5644839
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I fully recognise the impact of the current delays on individuals and families. The situation has arisen due to a combination of factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need and previously missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed to addressing this, and that is, of course, subject to available funding. Through the strategic planning and performance group, my Department has identified the level of funding required to address the existing demand capacity gap and reduce the waiting list backlog across children's and adult services. It is currently being considered in the context of the current funding constraints. Notwithstanding all of that, work is ongoing to improve assessment pathways and optimise existing delivery. That includes the public consultation on the children and young people's emotional health and well-being framework and the development of neurodevelopmental pathways aimed at enabling earlier intervention and better aligning services with population need.
154 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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